
Introduction to fungi identification
About this course
Our full-day introduction for fungi/mushroom identification courses will empower you with the skills to start identifying fungi on your own. The course blends fieldwork and classroom study and is suitable for complete beginners or those wishing to learn more about the processes needed to identify a wider range of species. It will be focused on the use of macroscopic techniques - those that use the human eye as opposed to microscopic or lab analysis. Rather than being a foraging course - edibility will not be a focus - this training focusses on identification, which is the single most important skill anybody considering foraging for edible mushrooms needs.
At the end of the course, participants are out in the woods identifying mushroom by themselves using the equipment given and skills learned on the day. All guidebooks, workbooks and equipment are provided and taken home by participants at the end of the session.
On completion of the course, participants will also gain access to our online introduction to fungi identification course.
Courses will be led by our lead instructor, Kerry Bowness, and often additional experts.
After this course you will be able to
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identify a selection of key fungi genera
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understand what to look for when identifying mushrooms/fungi
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avoid common pitfalls
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explore habitats more effectively
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appreciate the importance and role of fungi to ecosystems
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begin to use guide books more efficiently
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recognise some of the terminology used by mycologists
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start to understand scientific naming
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enjoy your time outdoors more with your new skills
This course is ideal for those starting out into this fascinating subject, or for those who feel frustrated when trying to identify from guidebooks alone.
"You have explained things to me in a way that I understand and can use. I thought I was useless at identification but now I am able to work through it and name species. This was the most important fungi course I have attended. Thank you!"
Brian

Dates
Dates released from May 2025 - Join date released alert list
These are autumn only courses due to the seasonality of the subject matter
Cost and duration
£230 per person (inc fees, books, and access to our online course*)
payment can be split of three equal monthly instalments via PayPal
7 hours (1 day) in person course
Want to check out our online fungi courses instead? Click here
Locations
Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire
Terrain
Varying terrain, mostly grassland, woodland and off track in woodland. Muddy areas are expected
Age limit
Participants must be aged 18 years or older - no children under 18 or babes in arms allowed on this course
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed to be brought along on this course
Parking
All venues have free car parking on site for those participating on the course
Terms and conditions
Please read our terms and conditions here
Edibility will not be the focus of this course. This is not a foraging course.